Distributed control systems (DCS) represent a common skills gap for new hires in the process industry. Discover a structured way to bring DCS training into your classroom and equip instructors to teach this complex yet critical topic—one that directly impacts the safety and efficiency of process operations and significantly enhances student employability.
Meet the new standard for process automation laboratories
The DCS Learning System – SIMATIC PCS neo is an interactive, networked training platform that provides everything you need—hardware, software, and courseware—to deliver hands-on instruction in process control and instrumentation. It supports learning from basic to advanced levels through real DCS interactions.
This system is ideal for preparing career‑ready process operators, technicians, engineers, and electrical and instrumentation (E&I) technicians in educational settings, as well as for upskilling professionals already in the industry.
The workstation is a mini process plant with interacting process loops. Learners practice controlling water and air pressure, flow, level, and temperature using a DCS, applying PID, cascade, and batch control strategies. These hands-on exercises build practical skills in instrumentation, process control, and troubleshooting, while providing a strong introduction to DCS operation.
Highlights
- Ready‑to‑teach course material with hands‑on learning exercises
- Turnkey workstation, ready to roll into the lab
- Single‑ and multivariable process loops (flow, level, pressure, temperature)
- Supports cascade and advanced interacting loop control strategies
- Batch control and recipe management
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) connectivity and networking
- Remote access for system monitoring and control
- Can be used as an Operator Training System (OTS)
Your benefits
- Equip learners with systems thinking, process‑dynamics expertise, and strong problem‑solving, decision‑making, and troubleshooting skills.
- Align your teaching with current industry practices and technologies to boost learner engagement and employability.
- Use the same system across multiple groups or classes, accommodating different learning needs and career pathways — maximizing your investment.
Discover a structured way to fast-track DCS training — without extra strain on teachers’ workload
About Festo
Festo is a global player and an independent family-owned company with headquarters in Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. The company supplies pneumatic and electrical automation technology to 300,000 customers of factory and process automation in over 35 industries. With about 20,600 employees in over 250 branch offices in around 60 countries worldwide, Festo achieved a turnover of around €3.65 billion in 2023. Festo Didactic SE is a leading provider of technical education and training and offers its customers worldwide comprehensive digital and physical learning solutions in the industrial environment.
Article Submitted by
Isabelle Ouellet
Festo SE & Co. KG
Germany
